Tribal Benefit Specialist Program

Who is eligible for services?

Any Tribal Elder;

Enrolled in a Federally Recognized Tribe;

Age 55 or Older; and

Residing within the State of Wisconsin.

What is a Tribal Elder Benefit Specialist?

A Tribal Benefit Specialist is a Native American person trained to help Tribal Elders who are having a problem with their private or government benefits. A Tribal Benefit Specialist will assist Tribal Elders with the extensive and complicated paperwork that is often required with benefit programs. The Tribal Benefit Specialist will help Tribal Elders determine which benefits they are eligible for, identify a process to apply for benefits, and assist in the application process. If a Tribal Elder is denied a benefit, the Tribal Benefit Specialist can also assist the Tribal Elder in an appeal process. Tribal Benefit Specialists are provided ongoing training and legal backup by the Indian Law Office of Wisconsin Judicare.

What can a Tribal Elder Benefit Specialist help Tribal Elders with?

Medicare;

Medicare Supplemental Insurance;

Supplemental Security Income (SSI);

Social Security Retirement;

Social Security Disability;

Medical Assistance;

Consumer Problems;

Veterans Administration Benefits;

Supportive Home Services.

What does the Tribal Benefit Specialist cost?

The program is supported with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the Federal Older Americans Act. There is NO CHARGE for Tribal Elders to receive services from a Tribal Benefit Specialist.

Who provides Tribal Elder Benefit Specialist services?

In addition to the Tribal Elder Benefit Specialists, each County in
Wisconsin employs a full-time Benefit Specialist to serve your Benefit
needs.